Clinical Research Director Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Clinical Research Directors typically qualify for H-1B visa or O-1 visa sponsorship, as the role requires an advanced degree in life sciences, medicine, or a related field, meeting USCIS specialty occupation standards. Most sponsors are pharmaceutical companies, CROs, and academic medical centers. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Get Access To All JobsJob title: Clinical Research Director - Immunology and Inflammation
Location: Cambridge, MA / Morristown, NJ
About the job
Join the engine of Sanofi’s mission — where deep immunoscience meets bold, AI-powered research. In R&D, you’ll drive breakthroughs that could turn the impossible into possible for millions.
The Clinical Research Director (CRD), Immunology and Inflammation Therapeutic Area, Solid Organ Transplant focus, is responsible for the development, execution and reporting of clinical trials in support of the registration of a product, directly reporting to the Clinical Lead in charge of the clinical strategy. In addition, the CRD is responsible for the development of abbreviated protocol and clinical protocol, participates to the review process for protocols, study reports, labeling, and contributes/supports interactions with regulatory agencies and ethics committees.
The role requires a self-starting, creative, well-organized, strategic focused, resourceful individual with excellent emotional intelligence, self-motivation, solid analytical skills and the ability to deliver on multiple operational tasks. They must be able to comfortably operate independently and within a matrix team, both face to face and remotely.
About Sanofi
We’re an R&D-driven, AI-powered biopharma company committed to improving people’s lives and delivering compelling growth. Our deep understanding of the immune system – and innovative pipeline – enables us to invent medicines and vaccines that treat and protect millions of people around the world. Together, we chase the miracles of science to improve people’s lives.
Main Responsibilities:
Some of the CRD’s core job responsibilities include those listed below, as well as all other duties assigned.
Scientific and technical expertise
- Has and maintains deep scientific, technical and clinical expertise in transplant, nephrology, hepatology and/or immunology/inflammation field
- Has a demonstrated track record in clinical development, with Phase 3 experience being an advantage
- Understands and keeps updated with the pre-clinical, clinical pharmacology and data relevant to the molecule of interest – Knowledge on antibody is a plus
- Critically reads and evaluates relevant medical literature with deep understanding of the data and status from competitive products
- Maintains visibility within the dermatology field to maintain credibility with internal and external stakeholders
Clinical research planning and execution
- Contributes to the development of the clinical strategy and plan
- Leads the development of the Abbreviated Protocol and Protocol development
- Represents the clinical function on Clinical Study Teams and other teams as appropriate
- Provides input into the Translational Medicine Plan that defines the biomarker strategy and other aspects to increase the knowledge about the pathway and effects of the drug
- Ensure that all development activities are targeted towards timely achievement (e.g. Abbreviated Protocol and protocol before study start, committees management and centralized monitoring during study, and KRM & CSR preparation at study end)
- Interacts with opinion leaders and external consultants
- Serve as medical monitor for the studies assigned
Regulatory responsibilities
- Represents the Division at key regulatory agency meetings as the medical spokesperson for the studies and project
- Ensures clinical data meets all necessary regulatory standards
- Supports registrations, label submissions and modifications (contributes to IB, DSUR, Briefing Package for Health Authorities)
- Participates in Advisory Committee preparation
Scientific data dissemination
- Ensures timely submission and dissemination of clinical data
- Supports the planning of advisory board meetings
- Establishes and maintains appropriate collaborations with knowledge experts
In addition to the above activities the CRD must ensure that all activities of the Global Project Team (GPT) are conducted in compliance with current regulations, laws and guidance from FDA, EMEA, and CHMP, as well as with Sanofi’s policies and procedures.
About You
Basic Qualifications:
- Medical Doctor with transplant, nephrology, hepatology or immunology clinical expertise preferred
- Minimum 2 years experience in pharmaceutical drug development and/or clinical research
- Proven record of scientific achievement as evidenced by presentations and publications in peer-reviewed journals and/or successful completion of major clinical studies or submissions is a plus
- Strong scientific and academic background with deep understanding of the disease
- Clinical research or pharmaceutical experience medicine experience in transplant/immunology field
- Knowledge of drug development and in immunology
- Good networking ability in cross-cultural environment
- Strong interpersonal, communication, presentation, and negotiation skills across all levels of the organization
- Performance oriented with ability to work along agreed timelines and a focus on strategy and execution
- Fluent in English (verbal and written communication)
Why Choose Us?
- Bring the miracles of science to life alongside a supportive, future-focused team.
- Discover endless opportunities to grow your talent and drive your career, whether it’s through a promotion or lateral move, at home or internationally.
- Enjoy a thoughtful, well-crafted rewards package that recognizes your contribution and amplifies your impact.
- Take good care of yourself and your family, with a wide range of health and wellbeing benefits including high-quality healthcare, prevention and wellness programs and at least 14 weeks’ gender-neutral parental leave.
Sanofi US Services and its U.S. affiliates are Equal Opportunity employers committed to a culturally inclusive workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; creed; religion; national origin; age; ancestry; nationality; marital, domestic partnership or civil union status; sex, gender, gender identity or expression; affectional or sexual orientation; disability; veteran or military status or liability for military status; domestic violence victim status; atypical cellular or blood trait; genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing) or any other characteristic protected by law.
All compensation will be determined commensurate with demonstrated experience. Employees may be eligible to participate in Company employee benefit programs, and additional benefits information can be found here.
Job title: Clinical Research Director - Immunology and Inflammation
Location: Cambridge, MA / Morristown, NJ
About the job
Join the engine of Sanofi’s mission — where deep immunoscience meets bold, AI-powered research. In R&D, you’ll drive breakthroughs that could turn the impossible into possible for millions.
The Clinical Research Director (CRD), Immunology and Inflammation Therapeutic Area, Solid Organ Transplant focus, is responsible for the development, execution and reporting of clinical trials in support of the registration of a product, directly reporting to the Clinical Lead in charge of the clinical strategy. In addition, the CRD is responsible for the development of abbreviated protocol and clinical protocol, participates to the review process for protocols, study reports, labeling, and contributes/supports interactions with regulatory agencies and ethics committees.
The role requires a self-starting, creative, well-organized, strategic focused, resourceful individual with excellent emotional intelligence, self-motivation, solid analytical skills and the ability to deliver on multiple operational tasks. They must be able to comfortably operate independently and within a matrix team, both face to face and remotely.
About Sanofi
We’re an R&D-driven, AI-powered biopharma company committed to improving people’s lives and delivering compelling growth. Our deep understanding of the immune system – and innovative pipeline – enables us to invent medicines and vaccines that treat and protect millions of people around the world. Together, we chase the miracles of science to improve people’s lives.
Main Responsibilities:
Some of the CRD’s core job responsibilities include those listed below, as well as all other duties assigned.
Scientific and technical expertise
- Has and maintains deep scientific, technical and clinical expertise in transplant, nephrology, hepatology and/or immunology/inflammation field
- Has a demonstrated track record in clinical development, with Phase 3 experience being an advantage
- Understands and keeps updated with the pre-clinical, clinical pharmacology and data relevant to the molecule of interest – Knowledge on antibody is a plus
- Critically reads and evaluates relevant medical literature with deep understanding of the data and status from competitive products
- Maintains visibility within the dermatology field to maintain credibility with internal and external stakeholders
Clinical research planning and execution
- Contributes to the development of the clinical strategy and plan
- Leads the development of the Abbreviated Protocol and Protocol development
- Represents the clinical function on Clinical Study Teams and other teams as appropriate
- Provides input into the Translational Medicine Plan that defines the biomarker strategy and other aspects to increase the knowledge about the pathway and effects of the drug
- Ensure that all development activities are targeted towards timely achievement (e.g. Abbreviated Protocol and protocol before study start, committees management and centralized monitoring during study, and KRM & CSR preparation at study end)
- Interacts with opinion leaders and external consultants
- Serve as medical monitor for the studies assigned
Regulatory responsibilities
- Represents the Division at key regulatory agency meetings as the medical spokesperson for the studies and project
- Ensures clinical data meets all necessary regulatory standards
- Supports registrations, label submissions and modifications (contributes to IB, DSUR, Briefing Package for Health Authorities)
- Participates in Advisory Committee preparation
Scientific data dissemination
- Ensures timely submission and dissemination of clinical data
- Supports the planning of advisory board meetings
- Establishes and maintains appropriate collaborations with knowledge experts
In addition to the above activities the CRD must ensure that all activities of the Global Project Team (GPT) are conducted in compliance with current regulations, laws and guidance from FDA, EMEA, and CHMP, as well as with Sanofi’s policies and procedures.
About You
Basic Qualifications:
- Medical Doctor with transplant, nephrology, hepatology or immunology clinical expertise preferred
- Minimum 2 years experience in pharmaceutical drug development and/or clinical research
- Proven record of scientific achievement as evidenced by presentations and publications in peer-reviewed journals and/or successful completion of major clinical studies or submissions is a plus
- Strong scientific and academic background with deep understanding of the disease
- Clinical research or pharmaceutical experience medicine experience in transplant/immunology field
- Knowledge of drug development and in immunology
- Good networking ability in cross-cultural environment
- Strong interpersonal, communication, presentation, and negotiation skills across all levels of the organization
- Performance oriented with ability to work along agreed timelines and a focus on strategy and execution
- Fluent in English (verbal and written communication)
Why Choose Us?
- Bring the miracles of science to life alongside a supportive, future-focused team.
- Discover endless opportunities to grow your talent and drive your career, whether it’s through a promotion or lateral move, at home or internationally.
- Enjoy a thoughtful, well-crafted rewards package that recognizes your contribution and amplifies your impact.
- Take good care of yourself and your family, with a wide range of health and wellbeing benefits including high-quality healthcare, prevention and wellness programs and at least 14 weeks’ gender-neutral parental leave.
Sanofi US Services and its U.S. affiliates are Equal Opportunity employers committed to a culturally inclusive workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; creed; religion; national origin; age; ancestry; nationality; marital, domestic partnership or civil union status; sex, gender, gender identity or expression; affectional or sexual orientation; disability; veteran or military status or liability for military status; domestic violence victim status; atypical cellular or blood trait; genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing) or any other characteristic protected by law.
All compensation will be determined commensurate with demonstrated experience. Employees may be eligible to participate in Company employee benefit programs, and additional benefits information can be found here.
See all 382+ Clinical Research Director Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Clinical Research Director Jobs
Target pharmaceutical companies and CROs first
Large pharma firms like Pfizer, Merck, and AstraZeneca, along with contract research organizations, sponsor Clinical Research Directors regularly and have established immigration infrastructure to process H-1B and O-1 visa petitions efficiently.
Lead with your IND and NDA experience
Employers prioritize candidates who have overseen FDA submission processes. Highlighting experience managing Investigational New Drug applications or New Drug Applications signals the level of seniority that justifies visa sponsorship for a director-level role.
An advanced degree strengthens your specialty occupation case
A master's or doctoral degree in clinical pharmacology, biostatistics, or a related field directly supports USCIS specialty occupation requirements. USCIS scrutinizes director-level clinical roles, so degree-to-role alignment is more important than for individual contributor positions.
O-1A is a realistic alternative if you have publications or leadership recognition
Clinical Research Directors with peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, or roles leading multi-site Phase III trials often meet O-1A extraordinary ability criteria. This path bypasses the H-1B lottery entirely and is worth evaluating with an immigration attorney.
Expect your employer to need an LCA before you can start
Your sponsoring employer must file a Labor Condition Application with the Department of Labor certifying the role meets prevailing wage requirements before petitioning USCIS. Factor three to four weeks for LCA certification into your start date negotiations.
Academic medical centers offer sponsorship with stronger green card pathways
Universities and hospital research centers frequently sponsor Clinical Research Directors and often support EB-1 or EB-2 NIW green card petitions for candidates with strong research records, which can reduce long-term immigration timelines significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Clinical Research Director role qualify as an H-1B specialty occupation?
Yes, Clinical Research Director consistently qualifies as an H-1B visa specialty occupation because the role requires at minimum a bachelor's degree in a specific field such as life sciences, medicine, or biostatistics. Most employers require a master's or doctoral degree, which strengthens the specialty occupation case further. USCIS approves H-1B petitions for this title at high rates when the degree-to-role connection is well-documented.
How competitive is the H-1B lottery for Clinical Research Directors?
The H-1B general lottery selects roughly 20 to 25 percent of registrations in recent years, which applies to Clinical Research Directors unless their employer qualifies as a cap-exempt institution. Academic medical centers, nonprofit research organizations, and government research facilities are often cap-exempt, meaning they can file H-1B petitions year-round without entering the lottery. If you're targeting those employers, your odds improve substantially.
What degree does a Clinical Research Director need to get visa sponsorship?
Most sponsoring employers require a master's or doctoral degree in a clinical, scientific, or health-related field. A medical degree (MD or equivalent) also satisfies the requirement. A bachelor's degree may be sufficient at some organizations, but director-level roles typically demand graduate credentials, and a stronger degree makes USCIS approval more straightforward. Degrees in clinical pharmacology, medicine, nursing, biostatistics, or public health are the most commonly accepted.
Can a Clinical Research Director qualify for an O-1A visa?
Yes, and it's worth exploring seriously for this role. O-1A requires demonstrating extraordinary ability through criteria like peer-reviewed publications, original research contributions, high salary relative to peers, or judging others' work in the field. Clinical Research Directors who have led pivotal trials, authored published studies, or served on IRBs or FDA advisory panels often meet three or more criteria. O-1A has no lottery and no annual cap.
Where can I find Clinical Research Director jobs that offer visa sponsorship?
Migrate Mate lists Clinical Research Director roles specifically filtered for visa sponsorship, so you're not manually sorting through postings that won't work for your situation. Pharmaceutical companies, CROs, academic medical centers, and biotech firms are the primary sponsors for this title. Filtering by employer type on Migrate Mate can help you prioritize organizations with established immigration programs.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Clinical Research Director jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.